NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

This 19th-century edifice houses the Mayor's office, the City Council's meeting chambers, the speaker's office and the rooms seen in the background of mayoral press conferences on TV. Completed in 1812 at the northern end of the city, City Hall and its park are today the center of power in New York.

The building is done in the Federal style, with French influences that can be seen in the large arched windows, delicate ornamental swags and more decorative Corinthian- and Ionic-style columns and pilasters.

The Governor's Room within houses one of the most important collections of 19th century American portraiture as well as historic furnishings, including pieces by Charles Christian and Honoré Lannuier, and other artifacts, such as George Washington's desk. The distinguished guests who have visited the Governor's Room include the Marquis de Lafayette and Albert Einstein. The room hosted President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861, and then served as the backdrop for his coffin in 1865 as he lay in state.

• Landmark Status: National Register of Historic Places, New York City Landmark
• Directions: Subway: R to City Hall; 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall; J, Z to Chambers Street. City Hall Park is bordered by Chambers Street, Broadway, Park Row and Barclay Street.

• Tours: Tours are offered for groups (10-20 people) on Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri at 10 am and for individuals (1-9 people) on Thurs at 10 am. To make a reservation, see the Web site or call (212) 788-2656. A tour is available on Wed at 12 pm without a reservation; sign up at the NYC & CO kiosk at Broadway and Barclay Street between 9-11 am. All tours are free.